Boca Raton Library Connects To Free-net Computer Network

ON THE BEAT

February 15, 1998|BRAD BENNETT and KARLA SCHUSTER

Cyberspace communication . . . The Boca Raton Public Library is participating in SEFLIN Free-Net, or the Southeast Florida Library Information Network, a program that will give patrons free e-mail service.

Participants are eligible for a 45-minute time period, and can use any public computer terminal at the city library to access their e-mail accounts.

* Teen Central . . . Members of the Greater Delray Beach Youth Council on Tuesday renewed their commitment to open a teen center at the Delray Beach Community Center next to City Hall.

The nearly four-year-old group of young people 12 to 17 last year announced the controversial plan to build the youth hangout, which they have dubbed Teen Central.

There, they say, they can relax, play basketball, skate and skateboard without adult interference. Teen Central also would feature tutoring, mentoring and educational programs.

The young people say they need to be in places other than malls, movie theaters and parks.

But officials with the Parks and Recreation Department, which runs the Community Center, have wondered who would pay for such a proposal and said there are plenty of events for kids there now, including aerobics, karate, badminton, basketball and an after-school program.

Youth council members, however, say adults get in their way when they try to use the center, monopolizing the basketball court in particular.

``We endeavor to afford the youth a voice and a vote,'' Youth Council Vice President Melissa Burton said at Tuesday's Town Hall meeting.

Brad Bennett covers Delray Beach and can be reached at 561-243-6647. Karla Schuster covers Boca Raton and can be reached at 561-243-6641.